Author Topic: Another Bullet Seating Question (Read 1376 times)

Graybeard · « **on:** November 10, 2003, 11:38:06 AM »

Let's get this out of the way rat up front. I'm NOT a serious muzzle loader user. For me it is strictly to take advantage of a season I'd not have otherwise. In the past this has meant using it in WMAs for 2-4 days a season at most when does are legal with it where othewise only bucks would be legal. I've not fired mine in 3-4 years I'd guess. In the past I've used nothing but Pyrodex (to my knowledge no one near here even sells real BP) and either Buffalo Bullets or Hornady Great Plains Bullets. Both in the 380-385 grain range.

This year Bama has the first early muzzle loaer deer season ever. It is the three days prior to opening of gun season meaning 19-21 November. I have on hand Pyrodex as usual but also this time the newer stuff from Goex called Clear Shot. Hornady has sent me 100 of their new SST Sabot bullets. I think they are about 250 grains and have the plastic tips like other SST bullets.

So my question is what do you guys use to seat saboted bullets especially those like the Hornady SSTs with plastic tips? Do you use just the standard ram rod and bullet starters you'd use with round balls or conicals? Or do I need something special to do this. Just got these and time is running short to work up a load if I'm gonna use them rather than the GP bullets I've always used. I've NEVER fired a single saboted bullet down the barrel of my muzzle loaders.

If it matters I'll be using a .50 caliber TC Silver Hawk I think it is called. Older gun I've had for a lot of years but basically same gun as the one they make now under 2-3 different names. It is an inline and I'll be using #11 percussion caps for it just as I always have.

GB

Good time Charlie · « **Reply #1 on:** November 10, 2003, 11:44:52 AM »

Graybeard I don't know what part of Alabama you are in. But the trading post about eight miles east of Jasper has the real black powder.

rickyp · « **Reply #2 on:** November 10, 2003, 12:30:50 PM »

GB.
You should use a special loadign jig so you do not deform the tip of the bullet. You can get one of the longer cleaning Jigs for about $3.00 then then drill it out starting with a little drill bit and working your way up so the tip in not being touched and you are pushing the bullet down by the sides. I cant remember who makes it but they have a short started taht comes with a lot of tips there may be one that would work for the new hornady. I saw them at wal-mart the other day. I will check tomorrow morning on the way home to see if they have one that will work.
Good luck on the hunting season

johnt · « **Reply #3 on:** November 10, 2003, 02:08:02 PM »

It's too close ta season. Don't change now. We all get the fever.
Tipped bullets and sabot projectiles DO require a special loading/seating jig to position the projectile without deformation. And GB, as a seasoned shooter you should know that load development is key to the individuals skill and accuracy. If you have hands on "personal" assistance from an experianced shooter with your rifle, then go for it. Otherwise, don't change now. the lowley prb been taking game fer years.
Your "shooting" skill's are fine,,, and you know it.,,,,now is the tyme ta "hunt". :wink:

just me tacks,

crow_feather · « **Reply #4 on:** November 10, 2003, 02:23:00 PM »

Greybeard,
If your short on time, why not just go with what you know that works and evaluate the new powder and bullets at a later time? I myself was not all that happy with the accuracy of clear shot powder.
Whatever you use, may your aim be true, your rifle steady, and those Bama deers standing straight and tall.

C F

Underclocked · « **Reply #5 on:** November 10, 2003, 04:11:26 PM »

ClearShot is weak. It is also VERY hygroscopic. If it is humid, use the Pyrodex. Like the others, I would go with what I know given the time frame.

rickyp · « **Reply #6 on:** November 11, 2003, 12:25:28 PM »

I went to 2 walmart stores today to see if they had the starter pack with all the tips. both where sold out.

Graybeard · « **Reply #7 on:** November 11, 2003, 06:55:41 PM »

Thanks for the replies guys.

Good time Charlie, I'm a LONG way from Jasper. There is a powder distributor in Huntsville which is maybe 100 miles or a tad less from me. I'm not sure if they sell in less than case lots tho. I'm in Calhoun Co. and I've found no one in Calhoun or Etowah that sells real BP.

Ricky, Power belt is the brand name on that kit you mention. I may order one for the Hornady SSTs.

Fever has nothing to do with it really. Hornady is a real big help to me. They generally supply anything I ask for to support my Test Projects. So when they want me to test something like these SSTs I feel an obligation to try to make it happen.

I hate to hear the bad news regard the Clear Shot. Had high hopes for it in my Crockett .32 squireel gun. I really need some real BP for it tho.

Guess I'll stay with the Pyrodex for now. I have it and it is readily available to me if I need more. It has always worked fine for me in the past. I'll be doing some shooting this week with the Hornady GP bullets I've used in the past and the new SSTs both. If the SSTs shoot well quickly for me I'll go with them for this early season next week. If not I'll put them on hold for the later season in January before I get back to them.

We're not allowed to scope our guns here in Bama for the muzzle loader season. So it is the factory open sights only for it. That means I limit my shots to 50-60 yards. I've never had any trouble shooting 2" or so groups at that range with the TCs and BB or GB bullets. If the SSTs will shoot 2"-3" at that range I'll be satisfied enough to use them and see if I can find out how they work on game.

GB